New York, New York — A growing number of women and some men are posting “I Am Jane Doe” on social media to support a young woman who filed a lawsuit against Cornell University and seven fraternity members, accusing them of rape. The posts also include personal accounts of sexual abuse and assault, while some supporters are trying to protect the woman’s identity by making it harder for online systems to identify her real name.
The Brief
- Women and some men are using “I Am Jane Doe” posts on social media to support a young woman who sued Cornell University and seven fraternity members over alleged rape.
- The posts have spread across social media, with many people sharing their own experiences of sexual abuse and assault while standing in solidarity with the woman.
- Some supporters are also using the posts to make it harder for online systems and AI tools to identify the woman’s real name, although one supporter was mistakenly identified as Jane Doe herself.
Jane Doe Support Grows | I Am Jane Doe Cornell Rape Case
What we know:
The case involves a young woman who filed a lawsuit against Cornell University and seven fraternity members, accusing them of rape. She is using the name Jane Doe in the lawsuit.
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The lawsuit became the focus of wider attention after journalists at Cornell’s independent student newspaper reported on the filing late last month. Since then, women and some men have used the same name on social media to show support and share their own experiences of sexual abuse and assault.
Some supporters said they wanted the large number of posts to make it harder for online systems and AI tools to identify the woman’s real name. The effort also showed how people were using social media to stand with the woman and call attention to broader concerns about sexual assault.
The Associated Press said it generally does not identify sexual abuse victims unless they publicly identify themselves. No confirmed arrest or criminal charge information is provided in the draft about the seven fraternity members.
Online Community Response
Dig deeper:
The response has largely taken place across social media, where women and some men have posted “I Am Jane Doe” messages in support of the Cornell lawsuit. Some people also shared their own experiences of sexual abuse and assault as part of the wider show of solidarity.
The posts appeared in different formats, including videos, photos and text. Supporters said the large number of similar posts could make it harder for online systems and AI tools to identify the woman using the Jane Doe name in the lawsuit.
Why People Are Posting
Many people joining the “I Am Jane Doe” posts say they want to show support for the woman involved in the Cornell lawsuit. For some, the posts also became a way to share their own experiences of sexual abuse and assault.
Kelsey Combe, a photographer in the Midwest, said she joined the effort after seeing a social media reel explaining why the posts mattered. She said one goal was to confuse AI systems while showing solidarity with the woman.
The effort also brought an unexpected result for Combe. AI later incorrectly identified her as the Jane Doe who sued Cornell. She was able to have the information removed, but the experience showed how quickly online systems could connect the same name with the wrong person.
Combe said the response also highlighted what she sees as larger issues surrounding sexual assault. For her, the message was not only about one lawsuit but also about people standing together over experiences they have faced themselves.
Another Moment of Reckoning
The “I Am Jane Doe” posts have brought renewed attention to sexual abuse and assault across social media. The response has reminded some people of the energy seen during the #MeToo movement, when women widely shared their experiences of harassment and assault.
Emma Davidson Tribbs, founding director of the National Women’s Defense League, said moments like this can encourage more women to speak about their experiences. She said public support can give people greater comfort and courage to come forward.
Wendy Lea Brewer, a 48-year-old singer who has spoken about her own experience with sexual abuse through her music and performances, also joined the online response. After seeing the Cornell case, she posted Instagram reels using messages such as “I Am Jane Doe” and “It’s time to speak.”
Brewer said she had previously felt as though she was speaking without being heard. The Jane Doe posts gave her a sense of connection with others who felt the same way.
